Three years had passed since my rebirth.
The day had finally come—my third birthday in this world.
"Master Lucien," the maid said softly as she approached, her voice filled with gentle excitement. "I've just heard that your grandmother will be visiting today. Isn't that wonderful? And you've missed her so much."
I sighed inwardly, thinking about the past two years.
For the last two years, I've been reading constantly. It took me six months just to learn this world's language. I've studied books on magic, hoping to use it, but no matter how hard I try, I can't even gather mana. This is ridiculous. I thought I finally found something to make me happy—but I can't even use magic.
"Lucien, how are you today?" my mother, Evelyn, asked, smiling warmly at me.
"I'm fine, Mother," I replied calmly.
"I hope you're enjoying your birthday," she continued. "Your grandmother will be coming today."
Acting like a kid… feels harder than I imagined, I thought.
"Yes, Mother," I said. "Father told me yesterday that my grandmother has the same hair color as both of you."
"That's right," Evelyn said with a smile. "She is very kind, and I'm sure she'll bring something nice for you."
"I can't wait to see her," I said honestly.
"Neither can I," she replied.
Moments later, my father, Alaric Kurohart, entered the room.
"Evelyn, what are you doing here? I've been waiting for you."
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," she said gently. "I was talking with Lucien."
"Lucien, how are you, my boy? Are you enjoying your special day?"
"Of course, Father! I'll eat plenty of chocolate and cake today!"
"That's my boy," Alaric said, smiling. "Your mother and I will sit for a moment, but enjoy yourself."
"All right, Father. I'll go meet Helena," I said, heading toward the head maid.
Alaric and Evelyn exchanged warm smiles as I walked away.
I finally felt a bit of freedom.
Time to get something to eat, I thought.
"Hello, Young Master," Helena said, appearing from the shadows. Her expression was unusually dark. I froze for a moment—her presence was intimidating.
"I was talking with my parents," I replied calmly.
"Oh? Really?" she said, narrowing her eyes.
"Yes. Do you think I'm lying?"
"I didn't say you were lying," she replied flatly. "You just said it yourself."
I frowned. Why am I not allowed outside? I had asked her countless times before, and she always replied the same:
"It's for your safety."
"Mom and Dad said I should enjoy my birthday," I reminded her.
"Very well," she said, softening slightly. "I'll accompany you."
"Thank you," I said.
Soon after, my grandmother arrived.
The moment I saw her, it was as if an angel had descended.
Alaric and Evelyn stood to greet her.
"Welcome, Mother. How was your journey? I hope it wasn't too tiring," my father said politely.
"Welcome, Mother," my mother added.
"My son," my grandmother said, embracing them both. "I missed you so much. And I didn't expect your wife to be so beautiful."
"Of course, Mother," Alaric said proudly. "She is the woman who stole my heart. How is everyone at home?"
"They are well. But I came for my grandson," she said, smiling softly. "He is the reason I came, not you, Alaric."
Alaric's voice boomed as he called my name. "Lucien!"
"Master Lucien, your grandmother is here. Please prepare yourself," Helena said.
I ran toward her, heart pounding.
When I saw her, my breath caught. She was young, elegant, and regal, with black-and-white hair like mine and my father's.
"Grandmother…" I whispered.
"This is your grandmother, Lucien," Alaric said. "Go ahead and greet her."
I ran to her and said, "Grandma… you look so beautiful!"
She smiled, holding my face gently. "Oh, you look just like Alaric—your eyes, your nose. You remind me so much of him as a child. You're such a cute little grandson."
If she looks this young… how old are Father and Mother? I wondered silently.
"Lucien, what would you like me to get you?" she asked.
"I… I want to go outside," I said without hesitation.
Her smile faded slightly. "Not yet. Your birth has been kept secret for your safety. Your stepbrothers are still a threat. You must grow stronger before you can safely go outside. But I promise, when you turn six, you'll be able to go out freely."
"Really? You promise?" I asked, eyes shining.
"Yes, Lucien. I promise."
She handed me a wooden sword. "This is so your father can teach you swordsmanship."
"Thank you, Grandma! I can't wait to start!"
She smiled warmly. I never want to let go of him, she thought.
For the rest of the day, she stayed with me, feeding me chocolate and cake, making sure I laughed and smiled the entire time.
Finally… she lets go of me, I thought as the day drew to an end.
"Maid, take Lucien to his room," my grandmother instructed. "Give him a bath and prepare his bed. It's late."
"Yes, ma'am," Helena replied.
As I was led away, my grandmother, Alaric, and Evelyn sat down together.
"Alaric," my grandmother said seriously, "your father's house has been exploited. Your stepbrothers have been conducting illegal activities. Since you left, you haven't smiled properly, and they have taken advantage. You are the only one capable of stopping them."
"I understand," Alaric said. "But returning to the family would put my wife and child in danger. I want a peaceful life."
"You can only have peace by preparing Lucien," my grandmother replied. "They are searching for you. When they find you, they will send assassins. You must train your son so he can protect himself and your wife."
Evelyn's mind raced. I knew this day would come…
"You need to start training Lucien," she agreed. "His identity must remain secret. He must grow strong to survive on his own."
"Do you understand?" my grandmother asked. "I brought a magic item for him—it can change his eye color at will."
Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "It is useful, but I must consider carefully."
"I'll leave it with you until he turns six," my grandmother continued. "When the time comes, he will awaken his powers. He will see the future and grow stronger than he is now. For now, he must master the sword before controlling mana or Aura."
Alaric and Evelyn exchanged surprised looks.
"I'll do as you say," Alaric replied firmly. "As long as Lucien is safe, I will start his training soon."
"My son," my grandmother said softly, "take care of your family. He is our bloodline, and he must survive. Only then can he fulfill his destiny."
Evelyn nodded silently, worry shadowing her face.
"Alright," Alaric said. "We'll begin his training immediately."
"I will take my bath now and go to bed," my grandmother said. "I leave tomorrow morning. Remember… the future of our family depends on this child."
"Understood, Mother," they said together.